☕ A classic “coffee cup” verse
Blessed Be the Name of the Lord
===
And he said, “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.”
Job 1:21 (ESV)
===
I call it a “coffee cup” verse because … well … it’s one people will often print on a coffee mug to encourage them as they start their day.
I’m sure you’ve seen one or two before.
Although that kind of common treatment can sometimes undermine the power of the verse.
Here we have Job, a man who quite literally lost everything, still praising the Lord.
I was actually reading this morning about Paul and Silas in prison chains singing praises to God (Acts 16).
Both stories carry that same amazing faith.
One that serves as an outstanding example to me, and challenges me to trust God even more with my life.
Can I praise God when times seem the darkest they could ever be?
Job certainly did.
Paul & Silas did.
So many other brothers and sisters throughout history have honored God with their faithfulness even as their lives were crumbling around them.
It’s amazing the faith they have to do that.
There’s nothing extra special about them that’s not in each and every Christian as well.
We all have the same Spirit inside us, guiding our lives.
May I be more and more sensitive to the Spirit’s leading, be more obedient to His direction, and be a person who praises without ceasing.
— Ricky Ketchum
Copyright © 2026 by Ricky Ketchum. All rights reserved. Unauthorized duplication prohibited.
Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NET) are from the NET Bible® copyright ©1996, 2019 by Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C. http://netbible.com All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations marked (ESV) are from the ESV®Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright© 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations marked (NKJV) are from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
